When school lets out, most teenagers look forward to a break from homework and exams. But for girls like Yoles, a vibrant and determined teen in Uganda, school holidays can bring a very different kind of challenge: the increased threat of child marriage.

In her community, school is more than a place to learn—it’s a critical source of protection. Without it, girls are often seen as ready for adult responsibilities, whether they’re prepared or not. “During holidays,” Yoles explains, “many girls are left to wander or are pushed toward early marriage.” But thanks to a local organization called the Hope for Mothers and Daughters Initiative (HOMODI), Yoles has another option.

Through HOMODI’s vocational training program, Yoles learned how to weave baskets—a skill that has become her lifeline. “It feels so good to earn my own money,” she says proudly. “I don’t have to rely on anyone else. I can buy the things I need and stay focused on my future.” Instead of being vulnerable during school breaks, Yoles now uses that time to create and sell her crafts, maintaining her independence and her path forward.

For Yoles, weaving is about more than just income—it’s about agency. It’s a daily reminder that she can shape her own story, even when the odds are stacked against her.

But it wasn’t always this way. When she was in primary school, her parents pressured her to marry. It was only after HOMODI staff stepped in—speaking with her family and offering education support—that Yoles was able to return to school. Their advocacy, along with material support like school supplies and personal items, made all the difference.

Now, she’s the oldest sibling in her family, a role model to her younger sisters, and dreaming big: “I want to be a policewoman,” she says. “I want to teach the younger generation about the importance of education and how it can change their lives.”

Through weaving, through school, through support from a community that believes in her, Yoles is charting her own path—one that defies expectations and opens doors for others. “Even my mother is proud,” she adds. “She hears me speak English and smiles. She didn’t go to school, but now she sees what’s possible.”

Organizations like HOMODI—funded by VOW for Girls and its partners—are making this possible for thousands of girls around the world. They provide the skills, resources, and advocacy needed to keep girls safe, in school, and in charge of their own futures.

Because every girl deserves the chance to dream. And every girl deserves the time and freedom to make those dreams come true.

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